Loading...
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) has the potential to be a highly effective contraceptive, but returning to clinic every 12 to 14 weeks for the next injection is challenging for many women. Subcutaneous DMPA (available in the U.S. since 2004) is less painful and as effective as intramuscular DMPA and can be easily self-administered (NEJM JW Womens Health Jun 23 2014; [e-pub]; multiple citations). In a randomized trial involving 401 Planned Parenthood clients (age range, 16–44), researchers assessed 6- and 12-month continuation of subcutaneous DMPA with home self-administration versus clinic administration.
Continuous use of DMPA was significantly more likely with self-administration than clinic administration both at 6 months (87% vs…